Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Dryden

Dunstable,Beds

Summary

Experienced in primary school management with a strong focus on special educational needs and inclusion strategies. Demonstrates expertise in policy review and implementation, crisis intervention, and pastoral care. Skilled in teacher training, mentoring, and building stakeholder relationships to foster a supportive school community. Proficient in literacy intervention techniques, autism spectrum understanding, and SEND code of practice. Committed to reflective practice and continuous improvement within the educational sector.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Interim Headteacher

Kensworth CE Academy
Kensworth, Beds
01.2024 - 12.2024
  • Chaired meetings with department heads for effective operational planning.
  • Fostered positive relationships with parents through regular communication and meetings.
  • Managed school budget efficiently, ensuring optimal use of resources.
  • Led school-wide initiatives, promoting an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
  • Implemented new curriculum guidelines for better academic performance.
  • Mentored newly appointed teachers to ensure alignment with school vision and mission.
  • Created a safe learning environment, prioritising student safety and comfort.
  • Promoted student wellbeing by introducing mental health support services in the school.
  • Increased staff morale through recognition programs and positive feedback sessions.
  • Reviewed and updated school policies to maintain compliance with education regulations.
  • Encouraged parental involvement in school functions, strengthening community ties.
  • Established high expectations for staff, fostering a professional teaching environment.
  • Hired and mentored well-qualified job applicants for teaching and support staff roles, boosting programme success.
  • Conferred with educators to identify current classroom concerns and diversify instructional strategies.

Deputy Headteacher

Studham Village CE Academy
Studham, Beds
09.2019 - 12.2023
  • Managed disciplinary issues, ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment.
  • Increased parent engagement by organising regular communication channels and meetings.
  • Collaborated with parents for enhanced student progress.
  • Coordinated teacher training sessions for professional growth and development.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, resulting in increased student motivation.
  • Improved academic standards with the implementation of rigorous assessments.
  • Streamlined administrative processes to boost efficiency.
  • Implemented safeguarding policies, ensuring pupil safety at all times.
  • Enhanced school reputation by implementing effective teaching strategies.
  • Promoted inclusive education practices, fostering an accepting school culture.
  • Led staff meetings to improve team cohesion and collaboration.
  • Deputised in head teacher's absence to lead high-achieving teaching staff.
  • Helped head teacher develop accurate account of school performance to governors, parents and other stakeholders.
  • Supported head teacher in revising and implementing upgraded School Development Plans.
  • Recruited and hired qualified staff to build successful education team.

Special education coordinator (SENDCO)

Studham Village CE Academy
Studham, Beds
09.2014 - 12.2023
  • Streamlined processes within the special education department for increased efficiency.
  • Enhanced classroom efficiency by implementing individualised learning plans for students.
  • Oversaw Personal Support Plans (PSP) reviews whilst maintaining regular communication with parents and carers about student progress.
  • Liaised closely with teachers, aiding them in adapting curriculum materials suitable for all learners.
  • Provided support to teaching staff, improving their understanding of special educational needs.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge about SEN policies and practices to ensure compliance.
  • Collaborated with parents and carers, gaining their trust and cooperation in the education process.
  • Fulfilled legal requirements by ensuring compliance with SEN legislation and guidelines.
  • Fostered strong relationships with external agencies for additional support services provision.
  • Kept student records updated with current information.
  • Drafted detailed reports on students' progress and requirements which informed teaching strategies.

Teacher in a primary school (KS1, KS2 and EYFS

Studham Village CE Academy
Studham, Beds
09.2013 - 12.2023
  • Encouraged active participation in class discussions, fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Ensured safe, respectful learning environment through strict adherence to school's code of conduct.
  • Conducted parent-teacher meetings to discuss pupil progress and behaviour issues.
  • Organised school trips as a means of enhancing experiential learning opportunities for pupils.
  • Participated in continuous professional development workshops staying abreast of latest teaching methodologies.
  • Developed innovative lesson plans to nurture creativity among pupils.
  • Adapted teaching methods to cater for diverse learning needs of students.
  • Assisted in the development of school policies promoting inclusion and equality amongst students.
  • Fulfilled curriculum requirements by planning and delivering engaging lessons.
  • Managed classroom behaviour effectively, ensuring an optimal learning environment for all students.
  • Regularly updated parents about their child's progress maintaining open lines of communication.
  • Marked and provided constructive feedback on homework tasks and class projects.
  • Evaluated own teaching critically to identify weak areas and make improvements.

Teacher in a primary school

Hadrian Academy
Dunstable, Beds
09.2012 - 08.2013
  • Participated in continuous professional development workshops staying abreast of latest teaching methodologies.
  • Facilitated extracurricular activities fostering team spirit and leadership skills amongst pupils.
  • Managed classroom behaviour effectively, ensuring an optimal learning environment for all students.
  • Regularly updated parents about their child's progress maintaining open lines of communication.
  • Took part in parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment for student engagement through effective classroom management.
  • Worked closely with colleagues for implementing cross-curricular projects that engaged students in comprehensive learning experiences.
  • Adjusted teaching methods according to individual student's needs, ensured inclusive learning environment.
  • Communicated regularly with parents about their children's performance and behaviour at school.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods.
  • Assessed student progress, provided constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Fostered strong relationships with students by displaying genuine interest in their personal growth and achievements.

Student teacher

University of Bedfordshire
Bedford, Beds
09.2011 - 06.2012

Full time PGCE student carrying out two placements:


  • Pastures Way Nursery, Luton, Beds (nursery 3-5)
  • Dovery Down Lower School, Leighton Buzzard, Beds (Year 2)

Full Time Mum

N/A
Dunstable, Beds
01.2010 - 08.2011

Took a career break to look after my daughter before I began teacher training.

Key account manager

Eon UK
Coventry, West Midlands
10.2002 - 12.2009
  • Resolved escalated customer issues promptly for increased satisfaction rates.
  • Formulated strategic plans to increase product visibility and market share.
  • Conducted regular business reviews, identified areas for improvement.
  • Coordinated with internal departments for seamless service delivery to clients.
  • Worked closely with sales team, ensured achievement of set targets.
  • Analysed sales data, optimised performance metrics.
  • Implemented customer retention strategies, fostered strong relationships.
  • Secured long-term customer loyalty with excellent service and understanding of client needs.
  • Delivered presentations, secured new partnerships.
  • Developed multi-level contacts within key accounts to enhance communication channels.
  • Maintained detailed knowledge of industry trends, positioned products effectively in the market.
  • Negotiated profitable contracts to ensure mutual benefit.
  • Resolved client complaints quickly and used feedback to improve account management services.
  • Maintained client records in bespoke CRM systems, ensuring streamlined data processes for maximum efficiency.

Account Manager/Sales Administration Manager

Amerada Hess Gas Ltd
London
03.1995 - 10.2002
  • Led team meetings for efficient communication and project updates.
  • Implemented customer service policies, enhancing client experience.
  • Managed business relationships to ensure loyalty and long-term commitment.
  • Monitored competitor activity, staying ahead in the market competition.
  • Delivered presentations to potential clients, securing new business partnerships.
  • Resolved client issues promptly, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with sales team for achieving shared objectives.
  • Established strong rapport with clients through regular communication.
  • Interpreted and analysed sales data to inform future strategies.
  • Organised logistics for trade shows and exhibitions, increasing brand exposure.
  • Prepared comprehensive sales reports for management review.
  • Coordinated with other departments to facilitate smooth business operations.
  • Increased efficiency by streamlining sales processes and organising administrative tasks.
  • Enhanced client retention by providing exceptional after-sales service.

Personal Assistant

Guinness Brewing Worldwide
London
09.1993 - 03.1995
  • Assisted in project management, contributed to successful completion of crucial projects.
  • Organised meetings, improved communication within the team.
  • Provided personal assistance to Head of Brand Development whilst travelling overseas on business trips.
  • Coordinated daily schedules for CEO with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Liaised with clients and stakeholders for effective relationship management.
  • Scheduled appointments and conference calls coordinated seamlessly across different time zones.
  • Prepared reports and presentations for board meetings, streamlined decision-making process.
  • Took minutes during meetings with accuracy and precision, facilitated follow-up actions efficiently.
  • Ensured smooth business travel arrangements for senior management.
  • Managed invoice processing tasks accurately and efficiently.
  • Updated executive diaries with daily appointments, set reminders, and added key details.

Retail Support Assistant/Secretary

BP Oil UK Limited
Hemel Hempstead, Herts
08.1987 - 08.1993
  • Supported petrol filling stations in the South of England with pricing queries, forecourt resources and general queries.
  • Answered and applied for pump pricing requests on behalf of petrol filling station managers and owners, liaising with the company's pricing department through an automated system.
  • Provide administrative support to six Key Account Managers, preparing documentation and responding to customer correspondence.
  • Handled complicated customer queries adeptly enhancing overall client satisfaction.
  • Trained new employees, promoting rapid productivity increase.
  • Collaborated effectively with other departments achieving seamless operations.

Education

National Professional Qualification for Headship - NPQH - School Headship

Church of England
London
03.2023 - 09.2024

National Award for SEND Coordination - Special Educational Needs

University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield, Hertfordshire
10.2014 - 11.2015

PGCE with Early Years - Primary Education

University of Bedfordshire
Bedford, Bedfordshire
09.2011 - 06.2012

Equivalent GCSEs - Maths and Biology

Equivalency Testing for Career Development
Brentwood, Essex
10.2010 - 11.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Business Studies

Luton University (now University of Bedfordshire)
Luton, Bedfordshire
09.1994 - 06.1998

Higher National Certificate (HNC) - Business Studies

Luton University (now University of Bedfordshire)
Luton, Bedfordshire
09.1991 - 06.1993

Private Secretary's Certificate - Secretarial Studies

Dunstable College (now Central Beds College)
Dunstable, Bedfordshire
09.1985 - 06.1987

O-Levels and CSEs - See below

Queensbury Upper School
Dunstable, Bedfordshire
09.1982 - 06.1985

Skills

  • Parent-Teacher liaison
  • Pedagogical knowledge
  • School community building
  • Inclusion strategies
  • Crisis intervention capabilities
  • Policy review and revision
  • Special educational needs experience
  • Policy implementation
  • Pastoral care
  • Teacher training and mentoring
  • Primary school expertise
  • SEND code of practice
  • EHC Plan processes
  • School management
  • Stakeholder relationships
  • Teaching adaptability
  • Special needs advocacy
  • Literacy intervention techniques
  • Autism spectrum understanding
  • Reflective practice
  • Operating systems proficiency
  • Interpersonal relationship building
  • Teambuilding strategies

Affiliations

  • Reading
  • Cinema
  • Personal learning

Timeline

Interim Headteacher

Kensworth CE Academy
01.2024 - 12.2024

National Professional Qualification for Headship - NPQH - School Headship

Church of England
03.2023 - 09.2024

Deputy Headteacher

Studham Village CE Academy
09.2019 - 12.2023

National Award for SEND Coordination - Special Educational Needs

University of Hertfordshire
10.2014 - 11.2015

Special education coordinator (SENDCO)

Studham Village CE Academy
09.2014 - 12.2023

Teacher in a primary school (KS1, KS2 and EYFS

Studham Village CE Academy
09.2013 - 12.2023

Teacher in a primary school

Hadrian Academy
09.2012 - 08.2013

Student teacher

University of Bedfordshire
09.2011 - 06.2012

PGCE with Early Years - Primary Education

University of Bedfordshire
09.2011 - 06.2012

Equivalent GCSEs - Maths and Biology

Equivalency Testing for Career Development
10.2010 - 11.2010

Full Time Mum

N/A
01.2010 - 08.2011

Key account manager

Eon UK
10.2002 - 12.2009

Account Manager/Sales Administration Manager

Amerada Hess Gas Ltd
03.1995 - 10.2002

Bachelor of Arts - Business Studies

Luton University (now University of Bedfordshire)
09.1994 - 06.1998

Personal Assistant

Guinness Brewing Worldwide
09.1993 - 03.1995

Higher National Certificate (HNC) - Business Studies

Luton University (now University of Bedfordshire)
09.1991 - 06.1993

Retail Support Assistant/Secretary

BP Oil UK Limited
08.1987 - 08.1993

Private Secretary's Certificate - Secretarial Studies

Dunstable College (now Central Beds College)
09.1985 - 06.1987

O-Levels and CSEs - See below

Queensbury Upper School
09.1982 - 06.1985
Sarah Dryden